A511.6.3.RB _Manglona, Matthew-Napu_ Meaning

A511.6.3.RB _Manglona, Matthew-Napu_ Meaning

When I reflect on why leaders need to create a “cause” or “meaning” in the aspect to leading change I immediately think to “purpose”. Me as a leader when I try to influence change (for the good) in my subordinates lives whether at home or at the work place I always look for that purpose. “Cause” to me, is something that gives individuals influence, motivation, and a sense of vision to a goal or what I call an external factor. “Meaning” on the other hand, is the more spiritual, the individual person aspect, or the Internal factor to change. As I read the quotes and HRB blog to combine them and relate them to each other I would have to say that leadership needs “meaning” in its direction to accomplish goals and objectives.

The HBR Blog was quite interesting. Giving subordinates meaning in their work or simply to inspire them is the main concept of this article from what I got. “Programs that encouraged employees to take initiative and contribute to change have a five times higher success rate than those with a purely top-down thrust” (Nieuwoudt, M., & Rudman, R.2015) Subordinates necessarily just need direction and the why when leading change. Pat Zingarmi stated that “People don’t resist change, they resist being controlled” with just simply knowing the why change is occurring can get subordinates involved and feeling apart of the team (The Ken Blanchard Companies 2009).

When I transfer from one unit to the other and in front of new soldiers I generally try to establish ground with them individually. I know their previous platoon leader had his leadership style and philosophies however I have to ensure that they understand mine and are willing to accept the change I bring to the team. I notify them of my commander’s intentions and philosophies so that they too understand during training why we do what we do. Information, Personal, Implementation, Collaboration, Impact, and Refinement concerns (The Ken Blanchard Companies 2009) as Pat ZIngarmi explained, I can safely say that I have used three of the six in my line of work. I am able to give them (subordinates) the information they need when I come in with change, I can explain to them at a personal level of why the change is good for them, and implementation on how I would disseminate and approach this change with my subordinates.

Dave and Wendy Ulrich, co-authors of The Why of Work have said, “In organizations, meaning and abundance are more about what we do with what we have than about what we have to begin with.” I interpret this quote with being able to create meaning even with little to no resources and being able to push forward with the vision by thinking critically on how to accomplish it.  

In his famous book Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl posits that it "is a peculiarity of man that he must have something significant yet to do in his life, for that is what gives meaning to life" (2004, p. 56). I interpret this quote as having passion towards an objective or goal, having a purpose to do what one desires especially in a leadership role and all that does is become contagious to his subordinates.

Kouzes and Posner write in The Leadership Challenge: "The executive must find a way to communicate the vision in a way that attracts and excites members of the organization" (1987, p. 106). With this quote I interpret this must find a way to enthusiastically provide vision for an organization when going through change. “For any team to work in the same direction, the team must know the direction that the company is moving into and feel a connection to this common vision or theme” (Nieuwoudt, M., & Rudman, R. 2015).

References:

The Ken Blanchard Companies. (2009, May 20). Pat Zigarmi - Leading change. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTZEnSvZPqc&feature (Links to an external site.)

Nieuwoudt, M., & Rudman, R. (2015). LEADING CHANGE WHILE CREATING VALUE. Accountancy SA, , 40-41. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1660935915?accountid=27203